As the globe warms and seasons get more extreme, space cooling becomes one of the highest energy end-uses for the typical home. Air conditioning systems account for more than 40 percent of the average household’s annual energy bill.
Air conditioning costs are already out of control, and the energy and climate crisis promises to worsen things. However, there are ways to reduce air conditioning costs and keep costs affordable without calling your landlord.
Don’t know where to start? Don’t worry! If you want to learn how to reduce your heating cost, keep reading.
Plant Big Shade Trees Around Your House
Shade trees are a great way to reduce air conditioning costs. By planting big shade trees around your house, you can reduce the amount of direct sunlight that hits your home, which will, in turn, make it cooler inside. Trees can also provide natural shade and windbreaks, which can help keep your home cooler in the summer.
Running Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans use much less energy than air conditioners and can help to circulate the cool air throughout your home. Additionally, fans help evaporate any sweat you may produce, which will keep you more relaxed.
To maximize your ceiling fan’s efficiency, ensure it is appropriately sized for the room. Also, be sure to turn it off when you leave the room, as it will not do any good if no one is there to benefit from the cool air.
Install a Programmable Thermostat
Installing a programmable thermostat will allow your AC to run less when you are not home or when everyone is asleep. Using a programmable thermostat can help you save a significant amount of money on your energy bill. You can also use a programmable thermostat to ensure that your AC is not running when it is not needed, such as during the daytime when the outside temperature is cooler.
Seal Your Windows for Air Leaks
The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that seals and insulation can reduce your air conditioning costs by up to 30%. One of the quickest and easiest ways to reduce air conditioning costs is to seal your windows for air leaks. You can do this yourself with a caulking gun and weather-stripping.
Just ensure you seal around the frames of your doors and windows and any cracks or gaps. Another way to reduce your air conditioning costs is to insulate your home.
Evaluate Your Homes Insulation
Many of us start cranking up the AC to stay cool as the weather gets warmer. But did you know that your home’s insulation could be to blame for high air conditioning costs? Poor insulation can cause your AC to work harder, using more energy and costing you more money.
There are a few simple ways to evaluate your home’s insulation and make sure it’s up to par. First, check your attic insulation. You may want to add more if it’s less than six inches thick.
You can also check your walls and floors for drafts. If you feel a draft, that’s a sign that your insulation isn’t doing its job.
Making sure your home is properly insulated can save you money and keep you cooler in the summer. So take a few minutes to evaluate your insulation and make any necessary improvements. Your wallet will thank you!
Close the Blinds and Curtains
This helps block the sun’s heat and keep your home cooler. You can also try using fans to help circulate the air and keep your home cool. Make sure to keep your windows and doors closed as well to help keep the cool air in and the hot air out.
Regularly Service Your AC
This will ensure that it runs efficiently and that any potential problems are caught early. You should also make sure that your AC unit is the proper size for your home. An oversized unit will cool your home quickly but also use more energy and cost more to operate.
Replacing HVAC Air Filters
As the weather heats, so does the cost of cooling your home. One way to reduce air conditioning costs is to replace your HVAC air filters. Dirty filters restrict airflow and make your system work harder, using more energy and costing you more money.
Regularly replacing your filters can help extend the life of your HVAC system and save you money in the long run. You can ask for professional HVAC maintenance services found here.
Install Solar Panels
Solar panels can help reduce air conditioning costs by providing free electricity during the day. This can help offset the cost of running your air conditioner at night. Solar panels can also help keep your home cooler in the summer by reflecting heat away from your roof.
Tint Your Windows
Tinting your windows will help to keep your home cooler by blocking out some of the sun’s heat. You can buy window tinting film at most hardware stores, and it’s relatively easy to apply.
The sun beating down on your windows can make your home feel like an oven. Tinting your windows will also help to reduce glare and make your home more comfortable.
Open Windows for Some Night-Time Ventilation
One way to save on air conditioning is to open the windows for some nighttime ventilation. This allows the cooler night air to circulate and helps bring down the temperature in your home. You can also use fans to circulate the air and help keep things cool.
These Tips Can Help Reduce Air Conditioning Cost
The most obvious way to reduce your air conditioning cost is to use less. But there are other ways to minimize your usage and stay cool, such as using fans, keeping your home well-insulated, and ensuring your AC unit is running efficiently. Following these tips, you can keep your energy bills low and stay comfortable all summer.
Please explore the rest of our site if you’re interested in more helpful home improvement tips and information.
